They Used Dark Forces

They Used Dark Forces is a World War II espionage novel featuring British spy Gregory Sallust on a mission to investigate German weapons development at Peenemünde. During this assignment, Sallust meets Ibrahim Mallacou, a Jewish Satanist with supernatural abilities who becomes an unlikely ally. The narrative follows Sallust and Mallacou through Nazi Germany as they work to gather intelligence on V1 rockets while navigating encounters with high-ranking Nazi officials. Their mission culminates in Hitler's Berlin bunker during the final days of the war, where they execute a bold psychological operation. The story combines traditional spy thriller elements with supernatural and science fiction components. Satan exists as a real entity in this world, granting powers of telepathy and precognition to his follower Mallacou. This unique blend of genres creates a commentary on the nature of truth and deception in wartime, exploring how fiction and reality can become powerful tools in achieving military objectives. The book examines the intersection of occult beliefs and modern warfare in Nazi Germany.

Reviews indicate readers find this to be one of Wheatley's weaker novels, with most criticizing its slow pacing and heavy focus on World War II military details at the expense of the occult elements. Readers appreciated: - The historical accuracy and research into WWII operations - Integration of real military figures with fictional characters - The darker tone compared to other Gregory Sallust books Common criticisms: - Too much military strategy, not enough supernatural content - Lengthy exposition that slows the narrative - Less engaging than earlier books in the series Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (87 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (26 ratings) Several reviewers noted the book feels "more like a war novel with occasional supernatural elements" rather than the occult thriller they expected. Multiple readers mentioned skimming sections heavy with military planning details. The supernatural aspects, when they appear, received praise for their intensity and imagination.

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🔍 Wheatley conducted extensive research at the Imperial War Museum to ensure historical accuracy in his wartime novels, including firsthand accounts from intelligence officers. 🌟 The book's portrayal of the Peenemünde facility was remarkably accurate - this secret Nazi research center was indeed developing V-2 rockets under Wernher von Braun. ⚡ Dennis Wheatley himself worked for Winston Churchill's Joint Planning Staff during WWII, giving him unique insights into wartime intelligence operations. 🎭 The character Gregory Sallust appeared in eleven of Wheatley's novels, making him one of the earliest recurring spy heroes in modern thriller fiction. 🔮 Wheatley was deeply interested in the occult and wrote the bestselling "A Practical Guide to Occult Sciences" in 1929, which influenced his incorporation of supernatural elements in his fiction.